Saptasajya: A small paradise in the Dhenkanal district

Saptasajya locates 12 kilometers away from the Dhenkanal district in Orissa. The word “Saptasajya” means seven beds. According to the mythology, these seven beds are the beds of the Lord Vishnu – The Protector. However, the place also relates closely with other religious and traditional beliefs. People believe, once Lord Ramchandra, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana spent few days here during his exile. Moreover, the spectacular characters of the holy Mahabharata, the five Pandavas, once took refuge in the Saptasajya forest in disguise (angyantavasa). Furthermore, the locals believe that the seven hills of the spot symbolise the seven meditation places of the seven sages. Among the festivals, the Ram Navami festival deserves a special mention. Not only does it attracts a special crowd during the festive days, but people celebrate it here for three days with full enthusiasm.

Whatever may have been the reason behind the name of the place or the place being holy, if one has to express the beauty of the place in a phrase – It is simply – Superb! The spot blessed with seven hills, seven caves and seven hills running down from the peaks. The greenery spreads all around with the thick growths of the evergreen trees. Different species of the plants like the Orchids and the Cycas cover the region. The dense forest has greater medicinal value as it has a rich growth of some rare medicinal plants. The hills inhibited by the deer, hyenas, tigers, insects, snakes and butterflies. Several varieties of the birds live and breed in the green nature. The roads leading to the Saptasajya refreshes the tiring visitors by its beauty, especially when one travels to the Raghunath Temple. A hundred steps ascent would take one to the corridor of the temple. Besides, one may also plan to visit the Goddess Durga Temple, the Goddess Kali Temple, the Kalki Narayan Temple and the Lord Shiva Temple. Moreover, the place also invites the trekking enthusiasts. Boat riding, an absorbing activity visitors enjoy here.

Nearby attraction: After touring the spot one may also plan to visit the Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary in the Lapanga Forest.

One may board a train to Cuttack, in Orissa. Bhubaneswar, in Orissa connects well with the rail and air routes to the different cities of India. From Cuttack, buses available for the Dhenkanal. Another bus journey from here would take one to the Saptasajya. Alternatively, one may hire a car to the spot. However, one should bargain and fix the price before boarding on any of the cars.

Saptasajya do not have any lodges/hotels for staying. One may book a lodge at the DhenKanal. Some of these hotels/lodges provide pickup facility at an extra cost. Some of the suitable lodges available for hire listed below along with their rents.